ServicesWell & Septic

The primary goal of the Potable Water Program is to ensure proper installation and repair of all privately owned water wells. Environmental Health Practitioners also test water from privately owned water wells. The program enforces local and state laws and ordinances pertaining to potable water.

The primary goal of the Sewage Disposal Program is to prevent the transmission of disease caused by exposure to sewage. The program ensures proper installation and repair of all privately owned sewage disposal systems. The program enforces local and state laws and ordinances pertaining to sewage disposal.

Contact Us

Phone: 815-748-2153
Fax: 815-748-2485
Email: well.septic@dekalbcounty.org
(DeKalb County, IL)

Fees

Effective 01/04/2024, a credit card fee of 2.25% will be applied to all debit and credit card transactions. A minimum of $1.00 will be applied.

Well & Septic Fees
Water Well Permit*/Inspection/Sample$310.00
Water Well Sealing Permit$105.00
Water Well Construct plus Sealing (same visit)$360.00
Geothermal Well (up to 10 holes)$100.00, each additional hole $10.00
Non-Community Water Sample (Nitrate)$60.00
Septic Installer/Pumper License$125.00
Septic Permit- Contractor Installed$415.00
Septic Permit- Homeowner Installed$615.00
Real estate Inspection & Site Verification Fees
Well Inspection and One (1) Coliform Water Test Sample205.00
Additional Water Sample Test at time of Scheduled Inspection$60.00
Septic Inspection$180.00
Well and Septic Inspection Including One (1) Coliform Water Test$335.00
Site Verification-External$60.00
Site Verification- Internal$30.00
Variance Request$50.00

*$100 well permit fee-State Statute

Forms

Complaint Form
DeKalb County Sewage Installer Application
DeKalb County Sewage Pumper Application
Freedom of Information Act
Private Sewage Disposal System Application
Septage Disposal Site Application
Real Estate Inspection Request Application
Site Verification
Tank Abandonment Form

Variance Request Form
Water Well Construct/ Modify/ Seal Permit Application
Secondary Modification Form (Required)
Water Well Construction Report Instructions
Water Well Construction Report
Water Well Pump Installation Report
Water Well Sealing Form
Water Sample Request Form

Laws and Regulations

DeKalb County Code – Water Wells
DeKalb County Code – Sewage
Additional information regarding state codes related to water and sewage can be found in Title 77 of the Illinois Administrative Code
2013 IDPH Private Sewage Code
2013 IDPH Private Water Code

Additional Resources

Private Well Testing
After the Flood
Freezing Problems & Septic Systems
Septic System Warnings
ISCA Certified Professional Soil Classifiers
Septic Contractors
Well Drillers
National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Well Guide
Online Training for Homeowners with a Water Well 
Identifying Filters Certified to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Do I need a permit to drill a well?

A) Yes. By law a permit must obtained from the health department.

Q) How can I get my private well water tested?

A) Call the Environmental Health Division to learn about your options for well water testing.

Q) What should I do if there is an abandoned well on my property?

A) An unused water well, commonly known as an “abandoned well,” can pose a health and safety hazard if it is improperly sealed. By law, a home owner must have an abandoned well properly sealed. Home owners can contact a licensed well driller to properly seal the well, or seal the well themselves if they contact the Environmental Health Division to schedule an appointment.

Q) How do I get a copy of the plans for my existing well or septic system?

A) Records of well drilling and septic system installations can be released to the homeowner. Call the Environmental Health Division for information on how to obtain a copy.

Q) Should I put enzymes or additives into my onsite wastewater treatment system to
help it work better?

A) The DeKalb County Health Department does not recommend the use of septic tank additives. Additionally, some additives may negatively impact groundwater quality.

Q) Do I need a permit to install or repair my septic system?

A) Yes. All septic system installations, repairs or modifications in DeKalb County must be done by Illinois Department of Public Health Licensed Septic System Installation Contractors. Call the Environmental Health Division for more information.

Q) How do I dispose of old or unused medications to keep them out of the water supply?

A) Do not flush old or unused medications. This puts them directly into the water supply. Lehan Drugs in DeKalb will accept some medications. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department will accept controlled substances. For a diagram of water contaminants and how they enter our water supply, go to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (pdf)